Online fundraiser launched to raise money for malnourished Oneida teen
ONEIDA (WLUK) — A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up for a victim of child neglect in the town of Oneida.
Online fundraiser launched to raise money for malnourished Oneida teen, November 17, 2025. (WLUK)
The fundraiser was created three days ago by Leslie Doxtater, a family member of the girl. So far, more than $2,000 has been raised — near the fundraiser’s $2,200 goal.
According to the criminal complaint filed in Outagamie County, the 14-year-old girl was found in August weighing just 35 pounds. As a result of being severely malnourished, she suffered from multiorgan dysfunction, including respiratory failure, cardiac dysfunction, severe acute hepatitis and pancreatitis.
Her condition was so severe, doctors and nurses didn’t know if the girl would survive.
In the GoFundMe’s description, Doxtater wrote the victim has made tremendous progress.
“In just a few months, she has grown 3 inches and doubled her body weight. Her body, which had been deprived of nourishment for far too long, is beginning to heal. She has gained muscle mass and is gradually regaining the strength lost to years of neglect,” the GoFundMe said.
It goes on to say the teen is receiving physical therapy to help with movements and activities like stair climbing or balancing on one foot.
“Beyond the physical recovery, she is also working on the basics of self-care — things many of us do without thinking, like bathing, brushing her teeth, and caring for her hair. These simple tasks were denied to her for so long, and each day she grows more independent as she learns to care for herself,” Doxtater wrote.
The money raised will be used for the rest of the girl’s recovery.
Four suspects connected to the case have been charged with multiple counts of chronic child neglect. Walter Goodman, who is the victim’s biological father; his wife, Melissa Goodman; her adult daughter, Savanna LeFever; and LeFever’s partner, Kayla Stemler, were all arrested in November.
Preliminary hearings are scheduled for Wednesday for Walter Goodman and Stemler. Melissa Goodman and LeFever will have their preliminary hearings Thursday. At that time, the four will learn if their case heads to trial.